Sybil was at the piano as usual, and for the first time since he had known her, she rose when he came in, and, taking her work-basket, sat down to share in the conversation.

She meant to take her place as a woman, henceforward.
She was tired of playing girl.

Mr.Carrington should see that she was not a fool.
Carrington plunged at once into his subject, and announced the offer made to him, at which Madeleine expressed delight, and asked many questions.

What was the pay?
How soon must he go?
How long should he be away?
Was there danger from the climate?
and finally she added, with a smile, "What am I to say to Mr.Ratcliffe if you accept this offer after refusing his ?" As for Sybil, she made one reproachful exclamation: "Oh, Mr.Carrington!" and sank back into silence and consternation.

Her first experiment at taking a stand of her own in the world was not encouraging.